I've been working through the issues on my recently purchased '87 300SDL. Currently I'm trying to troubleshoot a clunking noise in the rear. It seems like the noise is coming from the rear passenger side wheel. When it's just me in the car I only hear the noise when I make a left turn. However, when I have more people in the car, the noise gets progressively worse with each additional person. Yesterday I had four people in the car and the noise was constantly present, even when not making a left turn. I've checked the tires for play and looseness and they are all solid.

Might it just be a loose or missing exhaust hanger?

Sixto
87 300D

The exhaust hanger is sturdy and intact. I inspected the axle boots and found that the driver side rear axle has a torn boot, but on the side from which the noise seems to be coming, the rear passenger side, the boots are intact and sealed.

Really does sound like a bad axle the way it worsens when the geometry changes.

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1987 300SDL #1, 1987 300SDL #2, 1980 240D, 1982 300SD, 1994 S350, 1990 350SDL, 1991 350SD, 1985 300D, 2005 E320CDI

Gone, but not forgotten: 1981 300SD, 1982 300SD, 1987 300SDL, 1983 300TD, 1980 300CD, 1981 300SD #2, 1987 300D, 1987 300TDT, 1980 300D

Whether or not the torn boot is causing the noise, it has to be addressed. Find yourself a good used axle.

Sixto
87 300D

Ok, do you guys know of any good places online to find new or used axles? Also, I have been looking for a guide to replacing the axles, but have yet to find one.

Could also be a wheel bearing on its way out.

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'83 300D, 126K miles.

If there's a pick-n-pull near you you can practice before pulling the one you'll pay for. Otherwise the parts forum is one online source. As for how - PeachPartsWiki: Replacing the Rear Axles - should cover it with the exception that your differential has stub axles so you don't have to open it to pull clips. The axle inboard joint unbolts from the stub axle outside the differential.

Sixto
87 300D

It is probably just your right rear sway bar link. It will clunk when it breaks loose from the bar. The more weight the more noise it make because it is closer to the body/frame.

Please check these first. Easy fix. I had to replace both on my 87 SDL.
Good luck!
below is the link to the part you would need.
1987 Mercedes-Benz 300SDL Base Sedan - Suspension, Shocks & Springs - Page 3

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Western NC
1987 300SDL W126 Turbo Diesel 335,000 + miles
1976 300D W115 275,000 miles+

Mine clunked allot before doing a rear brake job, then silent. Rotors and pads and calipers I think.

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1982 300SD

Thank you all for the help! I've got two axles for the car that I'm going to put in tomorrow. I figure I'll replace both axles at once. We'll see if that fixes it.

Update. I finished replacing the both the rear axles. It took a lot of work to get the passenger side axle out, the splines had rusted to the wheel hub, but the driver side came out easily. After replacing them, I loaded the car with 3 people and drove to Krispy Kreme. The rear was silent. No clunking at all. I think that did the trick.

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1987 300SDL